FAQs

Metal Stamping

What metals and materials can ImpressArt metal stamps be used on?

Our metal stamps can be used on soft metals such as brass, copper, nickel silver, pewter, alkeme, aluminum, gold, and silver. For mixed media art, jewelry, and crafts they can also be used on matt-board, clay, leather, glass, card stock, wax, wood, and fabrics. For harder metals like stainless steel, we developed our Premium stamps. Using our regular stamps on harder metals will eventually wear them out. Our Premium stamps come with a lifetime guarantee.

What does the metal stamp size refer to?

The metal stamp size refers to the height of the stamped impression (not the size of the physical stamp). For letter stamps the size is based on the average letter height (skewed towards the taller letters). Note the size of the impressions can vary depending on the material and striking force being used.

How do I get my letters to line up straight when I’m stamping a word out?

We recommend using our Stamp Straight tape to help line up your letters. Using the top edge of the tape as your guide, apply it to your stamping surface. Now place your metal stamp on the stamping surface and lightly drag it down until you feel the bottom of the stamp catch the edge of your tape. Hold in place and stamp. If you repeat this for each letter, all of your letters will line up perfectly. Use a pen or a magic marker and a ruler to make evenly spaced marks on the tape. Begin stamping from the center and work your way left and right and top to bottom. This will help ensure that your stamped images and words are properly aligned.

What tools do I need to get started metal stamping?

To start stamping you can use a household hammer and you must stamp on a hard surface such as a steel bench block or anvil. While a steel household hammer will work, our brass hammer will produce better and more consistent results. Steel is a hard metal so it bounces back when it hits our steel stamps and can create double impressions. Brass is softer and disperses the impact of the hit directly into the stamp focusing it on the blank for optimum stamping performance.

Why do I get double impressions when I’m stamping?

This is a common issue for those using steel hammers and is why we recommend using a brass hammer. The steel head of a hammer can be just as hard as the steel stamp they are striking. When this happens the hammer can bounce or vibrate off of the stamp very quickly and sometimes hit the stamp again, which will leave a double impression. Another reason you may get double impressions is if you strike the stamp multiple times. You should try to hit the stamp hard enough so that you only have to hit it one time.

How can I get my stamped impression to stand out?

There are a several ways to add color to your stamped impressions. The easiest way is to use permanent markers or paint markers where you simply color in the impressions and wipe away the excess ink with a polishing cloth or paper towel. For brass and copper, you can use liver of sulfur to oxidize the metal, which will give the entire piece an antiqued look and emphasize the stamped areas. Acrylic or enamel paint can also be used.

How can I texture or give my stamped metal work an antiqued look to it?

We have several texture hammers designed specifically to add textures to our metal blanks. Striking the blank repeatedly in a pattern adds texture. You can also use the round end of a ball peen or chasing hammer to add texture across the surface of your blanks or around the edges. You can also create texture using design stamps in a pattern.

What is the difference between basic, regular and premium ImpressArt stamps?

Basic stamps are an affordable way to get started with metal stamping. These stamps have no markings on the shank for identification or orientation. They come coated with oil to prevent rust (simply wipe clean and avoid contact with water). They are designed for use with softer base metals like copper, brass, nickel silver, aluminum, and pewter.

Our regular ImpressArt branded stamps have an oil free plated finish to prevent rust. Each shank is engraved with the image of the stamp for easy identification and an ImpressArt logo to assist in orientation while stamping. These stamps are available in a wide variety of designer fonts and designs. The letter stamps come in stack and store cases, with a marked slot for every stamp to keep them organized, and are sold with 7 bonus punctuation and design stamps. These stamps are designed for use on soft metals including pewter, Alkemé, aluminum, brass, copper, nickel silver, silver, and gold.

Premium stamps are specifically manufactured for use with harder materials such as stainless steel and feature a lifetime guarantee. These sets also come in our stack and store cases and include 7 bonus stamps.

Bezel Effects

I cannot get the honeycomb effect to appear when the paint dries?

If the paint is not mixed thoroughly before use the effect may not appear when dry. We recommend first stirring the paint making sure to scrape any contents stuck to the bottom of the bottle. Then shake the paint really well.

When can I apply the resin?

Allow the effect paint to completely dry before applying resin. Drying time depends on the thickness of the paint. It can take up to 72 hours or even longer for Prisme to dry. You’ll know the paint is dry when it is smooth and not at all sticky.

How do I apply the effect paint?

Since the effect paint will pool inside the bezel it can be applied by pouring it or dropping it in with a dropper. You have more control with Moon effect paint and can brush it on.

What materials does Pebeo’s effect paint work on?

Effect paint works on any material so long as it has walls to contain it and allow it to pool.